Charlton have secured the loan signing of Arsenal youngster Alexandre Song
until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Cameroon midfielder has featured for the Gunners this season,
twice in the Premiership and also in the Carling Cup as well as being
involved in the Champions League.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was, however, keen for the player to gain more
first-team experience.

Wenger said last week: 'The only one who may go out on loan is Song, because I want him to play somewhere. In central midfield we are a bit congested, and he is ready to play.'

Song - the nephew of former Cameroon international Rigobert Song - initially
joined the Gunners on loan from French club SC Bastia in July 2005, but the move
was soon made permanent.

Charlton manager Alan Pardew has been keen to add new faces to the squad for
their battle against relegation, and yesterday completed the £2.5million signing
of Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra from Sheffield Wednesday.

The Addicks travel to Bolton tomorrow night, where both players could be go
straight into the squad.

Charlton subsequently confirmed Song, who has been away at the Under-20
African Nations Cup, would not feature at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow - but
would be in contention for the visit of Premiership champions Chelsea this
weekend.

Pardew said: 'We have been tracking Alexandre for some time and I am positive
he will be a great addition to our midfield as we continue our fight for
Premiership survival.

'Arsenal received interest from several top Premiership clubs in Alexandre,
and I am delighted that he has chosen to play the rest of the season at The
Valley.

'He is only just back from international duty, so I'm looking forward to
working with him on the training ground as soon as possible.

'We will now have a little more competition for places this weekend against
Chelsea.'

Pardew added on the club's official website: 'I would like to
make a special point of thanking both [Arsenal manager] Arsenal Wenger and
[vice-chairman] David Dein for their help and assistance.'